In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
Present simple example sentences | |
---|---|
Why don't we pay 100 more each, and get a house in Mayfair? | |
He just moved from Brighton and lives around here. | |
Nope, I don't cook fancy things, only regular dishes. | |
No she is a very cute, easygoing and friendly girl. | |
How often do you have free time, then? | |
I'm an English teacher. | |
Do you go to the Windmill often? | |
How are you? | |
Yes, I'm here waiting for good news. | |
Hmm.. yes, I need mushrooms, stock, celery... | |
People take cutlery to their rooms and don't bring it back! | |
I'm calling him now then, do you want anything else? | |
Oh, sorry! You don't like cleaning things, I can do it. | |
I haven't been there before, where is it? | |
Wow, that's unbelievable, is it yours? | |
Nothing, 'cause I don't know what the woman looks like. | |
Hey, which is the closest station to China Town? | |
Do you think electric stoves are better? | |
It's difficult to find all the items manually on the self-checkout. | |
Do you need to wake up early tomorrow or something? |